East European Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

East European Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonEast European Shepherd is originated from Russia but Alopekis is originated from Greece. East European Shepherd may grow 44 cm / 18 inches higher than Alopekis. East European Shepherd may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Alopekis. East European Shepherd may live 4 years less than Alopekis. East European Shepherd may have more litter size than Alopekis. Both East European Shepherd and Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance.

History

east european shepherd - historyThe East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.

This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.

The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.

alopekis - historyThe courageous Alopekis is said to have run with and fought with bulls. To this day they escort bulls in Greece. They were used by the Greeks to contain the vermin populations, guard the chickens and ducks, and assist larger dogs in working with sheep. At one time it was thought that they originated from breeding of dogs and foxes, but this proved not to be true. It was also once considered to be the same breed as the Small Greek Domestic Dog, but it has since been declared its own breed.

The Alopekis is not a recognized breed with any of the current national or international dog organizations. The Kennel Club of Greece will recognize them once their population is large enough. They cannot be recognized by the AKC, IKC, or International groups until they are a much larger group.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Russia
Greece
Height Male:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Colors Available:
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
All colors and all combinations with the exception of the albino white. Mostly pure black, white or brown with white and brown, black and white, brown with tan, white with brown or black.
Coat:
Medium length and dense
Shorthaired and wirehaired but the wirehaired is extremely rare. This dog is double coated with the outer coat being smooth and hard and the undercoat being dense and soft.
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.

The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.

The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.

Temperament:

The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.

He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.

There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.

It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.

alopekis puppy - descriptionThe Alopekis is a small, fox-like dog with pricked ears on a head that is wedge shaped. They have large eyes, a deep and tapered muzzle with a broad nose. They are short but have long backs and a deep, wide chest with strong legs and feet. They have a beautiful tail that cures upward and a double coat.

Characteristics

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.

They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.

He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.

When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.

alopekis dog - characteristicsChildren – fine once socialized

Special Talents - These are herding, watch dog, loyal and brave dogs.

Adaptability – They are very adaptable and highly intelligent.

Learning Ability – Alopekis are highly intelligent and very trainable.

Health Problems

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.

Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.

Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.

alopekis puppies - health problemsThe Alopekis is an endangered species of canine due to a variety of factors. Traditionally this has been a healthy gene pool and the breed has been an example of the evolution of small canines. Factors such as farm pesticides, urbanization and cross breeding have affected the breed’s future.

This is made worse by the fact that the female Alopekis only breeds once a year, the litters are small, and the puppy mortality is high. In addition, the dogs are regularly neutered as part of a program to control strays, despite their status as an endangered species.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.

His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.

Exercise:

The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.

A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.

Feeding the Puppy

alopekis dogs - caringThis is a high energy dog and the puppies need to be fed a high-quality puppy food. Feed about 1/3 of a cup twice a day.

Feeding the Adult

Feed high- quality dry dog food and dog treats to this active dog. Feed about ¼ of a cup twice a day – more if below average weight and less if overweight.

Points for Good Health

Keep them active and away from pesticides if possible.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, games and if possible – a job.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Lurcher vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Maremma Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Sarplaninac vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Himalayan Mastiff vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Mountain View Cur vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Native American Indian Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Greenland Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Komondor vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Fila Brasileiro vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Greek Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Kangal Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Himalayan Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Brug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  27. Shorkie vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  28. Pomeranian vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltese vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  30. Pug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  31. Boston Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  32. Maltipoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  33. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Frise vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  35. Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  36. Jack Russell Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  37. Cockapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  38. Cavapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  39. Corgi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Schnauzer vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  41. Cavachon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  42. Mal-Shi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  43. American Eskimo Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  44. Papillon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  46. Japanese Chin vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature English Bulldog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  50. Lhasa Apso vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds